1985 Chevrolet C10 - Project Red Rocker - Part 2

Massaging the Metal

Metalwork has to be one of the most time-consuming parts of building a custom truck. Welding up the holes from the trim, door handles, and various other factory annoyances takes patience and someone behind the welder with the skill to execute the mods perfectly. This obsession with bodywork perfection continues from the time welding begins to the day the truck is eventually rolled into the booth for primer.

Last month, we introduced you to Project Red Rocker, an '85 Chevy C10 pickup that Hill's Hot Rods in Lubbock, Texas, will transform into a shaved, 'bagged, and rim-stuffing custom with a spicy red topcoat and intense licks of fire burning down the sides. We highlighted the project last month, discussing the classic Corvette-themed dash and interior framework, and ran down a quick list of the truck's targeted modifications, including the companies who will be involved with the project. In addition to painting a mental picture of the truck's desired finished state, we also whet your appetites with a rendering by Ed White of Fast Eddy's Hot Rod Art, depicting the slammed and fiery appearance our C10 will eventually take on. After tearing the truck apart in Part 1 of Project Red Rocker and beginning on some mild metalwork, this month we aimed to shave the entire truck, weld on the custom Grant Kustoms roll pan, and get all the metal into primer.

Over at HHR, sparks were flying and dust was in the air as the HHR crew proceeded to carry out the long list of metal alterations to smooth and sanitize the body. Follow along as we witness some 20-year-old sheetmetal reach a whole new level of cool.